79. An unmarried couple wants to rent a high-rise apartment in Illinois. The landlord has strict religious beliefs and is uncomfortable renting the apartment to the couple. Because the landlord wants to comply with Illinois law, the landlord should
Answer: B
The landlord should rent to the couple regardless of their beliefs.
Renting to the unmarried couple is necessary to comply with Illinois law, which prohibits discrimination based on marital status. The landlord's personal beliefs cannot legally influence the decision to rent the apartment.
A) refuse to rent based on their beliefs
This option is incorrect because refusing to rent based on personal beliefs constitutes discrimination under Illinois law. Landlords are required to treat all prospective tenants equally, regardless of marital status.
B) rent to the couple regardless of their beliefs
This option is correct as it aligns with Illinois law, which protects individuals from discrimination based on their marital status. The landlord must prioritize abiding by the law over personal beliefs in this situation.
C) try to find them an apartment elsewhere
This option does not address the landlord's legal obligations. Redirecting the couple to another apartment may still be seen as discriminatory and does not resolve the issue of complying with the law regarding rental practices.
D) insist the couple be married before move-in
This option is incorrect because it imposes an unnecessary condition that discriminates against the couple based on their marital status. Such a requirement violates Illinois law, which protects individuals from discrimination in housing.
Conclusion
The correct answer is to rent to the couple regardless of the landlord's beliefs, as this action fulfills the legal requirement to avoid discrimination based on marital status. All other options fail to comply with Illinois law and could lead to legal repercussions for the landlord. Therefore, the landlord must prioritize legal compliance over personal beliefs in this situation.